2014 Honda Valkyrie First Look

By Andrea Wilson | 11/20/2013 12:01 AM

Even though Honda has made a splash in the entry-level market with bikes like the 125cc Grom, that doesn’t mean that it has forgotten the high-performance rider. So after a 10-year absence Honda is back in the muscle-cruiser market with the return of the Valkyrie.

And based on its specs, it appears Honda was serious about the “muscle” classification as it’s taken the same engine that powers the Gold Wing and Gold Wing F6B – the 1832cc liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine – and stripped it down its essentials to give it a curb weight of 750 pounds. That’s 154 pounds less than the Gold Wing.

So same horsepower. And less weight. Hello horsepower to weight ratio. The engine also boasts torque that peaks at 4000 rpm and has Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) that uses two 40mm throttle bodies and six high-pressure programmed fuel injectors.

The engine configuration – combined with where it’s mounted in the Valkyrie’s aluminum twin-spar frame - makes for a low center of gravity. That, combined with a low seat height of 28.8 inches, is designed to add great handling in addition to performance.

Suspension wise the new Honda has a Pro-Link rear single shock with adjustable pre load and a non-adjustable 45mm fork up front. That and its sportbike inspired Pro-Arm single-sided swingarm are aimed at sportier riding. Its aluminum wheels are fitted with Dunlop’s 130/60 series 19-inch tire up front and the180/55 series17-inch tire at the rear.

To match its performance, the Valkyrie gets more stopping power than its Gold Wing sisters with its 310mm cross-drilled rotors (14mm larger in diameter) and Nissin four-piston calipers. The rear gets an even larger 316mm disc/caliper combo. Another difference from the Gold Wing is that the Valkyrie gets an independent front and rear braking system as opposed to the linked-brake system found on the Wing. Although not standard, ABS is available as an option.

Styling wise the Valkyrie has fat one-inch handlebars lending itself to a more custom look. It also includes modern touches with its LED headlight, taillight, turn signals and its multi-function digital LCD dash. And if you’re not sure whether or not you want it to bring a friend or ride alone rider, it has a removable passenger seat and aluminum passenger grabrails.

The 2014 Valkyries are expected to arrive in the spring and will be available in three color options: Black, Dark Red Metallic, and Blue Metallic. Although MSRP has yet to be determined, it's likely to be in the $17,000 range.

Andrea has been shooting everything from flat track to road racing in her job as a professional freelance photographer, but she's made the move to a full-time staff position at Cycle News where her love of all things motorcycling will translate well. Wilson has proven her worth as more than a photographer as she migrates to the written word with everything from race coverage to interviews.